Squad Leader
2 players • Avalon Hill • 1977
- Publisher
- Avalon Hill
- First published
- 1977
- Players
- 2 players
How it plays
Squad Leader plays 2 players.
Where to find one
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Where it came from
Squad Leader was released by Avalon Hill in 1977 as a tactical-level wargame depicting infantry combat during World War II. Designed by John Hill, the game was intended to provide a more granular and immersive simulation than the strategic-level games that dominated the market at the time, focusing on individual squads, leaders, and support weapons rather than abstract unit markers. It is widely considered a milestone in the development of modern wargaming due to its complex ruleset and innovative use of line-of-sight and fire-control mechanics.
The game's design sought to bring the intensity of tactical close-quarters combat to the tabletop, utilizing a detailed map system and layered charts to simulate everything from terrain effects to morale. Upon release, it was met with significant critical acclaim for its depth and historical fidelity, though it also gained a reputation for having a steep learning curve. The success of the initial box set led to the creation of the Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) system, which remains one of the most enduring and supported game lineages in the hobbyist community.
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About Squad Leader
Squad Leader is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2 players • Avalon Hill • 1977. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play Squad Leader?
Squad Leader is a board game for 2 players. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is Squad Leader for?
Squad Leader is built for 2 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
Who publishes Squad Leader?
Squad Leader is published by Avalon Hill. The catalog gives its publication year as 1977.
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